1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1994 BMW 520
To start off, 1994 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 520 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 520 weights approximately 4 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1994 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1994 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
